Hot Saimin To Die For

Having lived in Hawaii for more than ten years, I developed a taste for local style foods. But now living in Oregon, I have had to figure out how to make these delicious dishes at home. And one of my favorites is a spicy saimin, or noodle soup with all of the fixings. It even passes the test of my wife Michelle who is a fourth generation local, so she knows saimin. At home we call this Saimin Deluxe. So if you long for that local flavor give it a try, you won’t be dissapointed. I also have to mention a couple of our favorite places to eat when visiting Oahu. For some of the best local plate lunches anywhere you have to visit http://www.marujyumarket.com/index.html. All fo the food is made in house, and very affordable. Another favorite just a few doors down in the same strip mall is Waimalu Chop Suey. You have to order the crispy Gau Gee, these deep fried dumplings are so good. Stuffed with a mixture of ground pork, green onions and oyster sauce wrapped in a wonton wrapper then fried, wow. Just be warned: they are addicting, and very big too. Usually just two will fill you up, and don’t forget to make your dipping sauce of chinese mustard and shoyu, a match made in heaven. Waimalu does not have a web site, but they are listed on facebook, search waimalu chop suey.

Let’s cook !

1 package per person of Shin Ramyun gourmet spicy noodle soup

2 cups of water per package

1/4 cup each chopped green onions, and cilantro

1/4 cup thinly sliced char siu or reduced fat and salt spam

1 Tbs dark sesame oil

6-8 raw cleaned shrimp-optional

1/2 cup chopped baby bok choi or regular bok choy

Optional: vegetable or pork dumpling, boil with the noodles for the last 1 minute or they will fall apart

In a large pot pour the seasoning packets into the water bring to a boil

In the mean time, heat a frying pan to medium low with the sesame oil in it add the meat and or shrimp, be careful not to burn the meat. If you prefer you can cook the shrimp with the noodles, instead of pan frying them.

Dipping sauce #1

1 Tbs of each

Catsup

Oyster sauce

Mirin

Soy sauce

Dipping sauce #2

1 tsp chinese mustard prepared or if it’s a powder mix with water to form a paste

1 Tbs soy sauce

Place the bok choy in a large serving bowl

Boil the noodles for 3 minutes

Pour the noodles over the bok choy, garnish with the meat, shrimp or what have you, and finally with the green onions and cilantro, enjoy !